Colonie Central High School (CCHS)  iCare program hosted its 10th annual Chili Cook-off event on Friday, Jan. 26, raising $3,750 for current iCare partners: The United For ALICE Project and Things of My Very Own. The ALICE Project, a nationwide initiative, focuses on aiding families who earn just above the Federal Poverty Level, while Things of My Very Own is a local organization dedicated to providing essential goods, particularly to children and individuals fleeing domestic violence situations, with a special emphasis on ensuring children have access to toys during difficult times. 

The event featured participation from over a dozen community groups, offering more than two dozen mouthwatering samples of chili and macaroni and cheese, each vying for recognition. 

A  panel of judges including  representatives such as Town of Colonie Supervisor Peter Crummey, Assemblymember Phil Steck, Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry, Sheriff Craig Apple, Retired Chief of Colonie Police Michael Woods, Senator Jake Ashby, local media personalities, South Colonie Board members and others, deliberated and selected the winner.

The Fuller Road Fire Department claimed victory in the Chili category, with Warbird Factory securing the top spot in the Mac and Cheese category. Additionally, Fuller Road won the People’s Choice award for their Chili, while West Albany Fire Department won the People’s Choice for their  Mac and Cheese.

“I am immensely grateful for the overwhelming support and enthusiasm we received for this year’s special edition Garnet and Gold Chili Cook-Off in honor of South Colonie’s 75th Anniversary,” said CCHS Associate Principal Brian Scalzo. “It is always an honor to see the community come out in support of our kids and the events they organize. It really helps them to see that their efforts can make a difference. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year and building upon the success of this year’s event.”